Note: Proportion in the mathematical sense differs from
ratio. Ratio is the relation of two quantities of the
same kind, as the ratio of 5 to 10, or the ratio of 8
to 16. Proportion is the sameness or likeness of two
such relations. Thus, 5 to 10 as 8 to 16; that is, 5
bears the same relation to 10 as 8 does to 16. Hence,
such numbers are said to be in proportion. Proportion
is expressed by symbols thus:
[1913 Webster] a:b::c:d, or a:b = c:d, or a/b = c/d.
[1913 Webster]
(b) The rule of three, in arithmetic, in which the three
given terms, together with the one sought, are
proportional.
[1913 Webster]

{Harmonical proportion} or {Musical proportion}, a relation
of three or four quantities, such that the first is to the
last as the difference between the first two is to the
difference between the last two; thus, 2, 3, 6, are in
harmonical proportion; for 2 is to 6 as 1 to 3. Thus, 24,
16, 12, 9, are harmonical, for 24:9::8:3.

Look at other dictionaries:

Continued proportion — Continued Con*tin ued, p. p. & a. Having extension of time, space, order of events, exertion of energy, etc.; extended; protracted; uninterrupted; also, resumed after interruption; extending through a succession of issues, session, etc.; as, a… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

continued proportion — noun mathematics : a proportion in which the consequent of each ratio is the antecedent of the next (as 4:8.8:16.16:32) * * * Math. an ordered set of numbers such that the ratio between any two successive terms is the same, as 1:3:9:27:81. [1790… … Useful english dictionary

continued proportion — Math. an ordered set of numbers such that the ratio between any two successive terms is the same, as 1:3:9:27:81. [1790 1800] * * * … Universalium

Proportion — Pro*por tion, n. [F., fr. L. proportio; pro before + portio part or share. See {Portion}.] [1913 Webster] 1. The relation or adaptation of one portion to another, or to the whole, as respect magnitude, quantity, or degree; comparative relation;… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

Continued — Con*tin ued, p. p. & a. Having extension of time, space, order of events, exertion of energy, etc.; extended; protracted; uninterrupted; also, resumed after interruption; extending through a succession of issues, session, etc.; as, a continued… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

Continued bass — Continued Con*tin ued, p. p. & a. Having extension of time, space, order of events, exertion of energy, etc.; extended; protracted; uninterrupted; also, resumed after interruption; extending through a succession of issues, session, etc.; as, a… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

Continued fever — Continued Con*tin ued, p. p. & a. Having extension of time, space, order of events, exertion of energy, etc.; extended; protracted; uninterrupted; also, resumed after interruption; extending through a succession of issues, session, etc.; as, a… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

Continued fraction — Continued Con*tin ued, p. p. & a. Having extension of time, space, order of events, exertion of energy, etc.; extended; protracted; uninterrupted; also, resumed after interruption; extending through a succession of issues, session, etc.; as, a… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English